ST. GEORGE — Believe it or not, it’s already that time of year: pumpkins, fall décor, apple spice and everything nice … except when it comes to the flu. The seasonal flu shot is now available, but many people still wonder: Should you get it, and why?
This month, we’re answering those questions and looking at why some people still catch the flu despite being vaccinated and what the shot is really doing inside your body.
Timing matters
Dr. Rubin Patel, owner and founder of Patient Plus Urgent Care Clinic, says his top recommendation is to wait, if you can.
“My advice would be October or November,” Patel advised on when to get the vaccine. “Pharmacies are pushing this vaccine, so a lot of people will get it in September. What we’ve noticed is, the vaccine can last up to six months, so if you have a late flu season, then you may even get the flu in April or May.”
Getting the vaccine is a personal choice, Patient Plus offers it, but Dr. Patel says some people should seriously consider rolling up their sleeve sooner rather than later.
Who should definitely get vaccinated?
“If you’re young and have illnesses such as breathing or respiratory illnesses, or even heart issues or lung issues, you need to get the flu vaccine. If you’re a young adult with these kinds of chronic illnesses, you need to make sure you get the flu vaccine.”
Patel also adds that anyone over 60 to 65 should also strongly consider getting it. And as Patel points out, it’s not just about age. If you’re at risk for any cardiac or respiratory illness, the flu can make those conditions worse, putting extra pressure on your heart and lungs.
How the vaccine is designed
Most of us are familiar with Influenza A and B, the two most common types of flu strains.
“So this year, there are three strains of the flu in the flu vaccine. So you have two types of flu A and one type of flu B. In the past, there could have been up to four to five different strains of the flu in the vaccine.”
Based on flu trends from the previous season and what’s circulating in other parts of the world, health officials design each year’s vaccine to be as effective as possible.
“What they’re trying to do is make sure your body responds to that virus going into your system by forming an immune response and then antibodies against the virus. So when you do get exposed to it, you can hopefully prevent it because your body is already fighting it off. Or if you get a different strain of flu, you have enough antibodies to attack it so your symptoms aren’t as severe.”
How the vaccine works inside your body
Dr. Patel says a big misconception is that people can catch the flu from the flu shot. In reality, vaccines introduce a small dose of the virus so your body can build immunity.
“For example, last year there were over 40,000 deaths linked to the flu that may have been complicated by pneumonia. And just the flu alone caused over 4,000 deaths itself, and that was in America.”
Compared to not having the shot at all, your symptoms are likely to be milder if you get vaccinated. Unfortunately, the flu can still be deadly for those with underlying conditions.
Bottom line: The decision is ultimately yours, but experts recommend getting your shot in late October or early November so your immunity lasts well into next year’s flu season.
Editor’s Note: This article is part of a sponsored segment paid for by Patient Plus Urgent Care Clinic.
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